The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Step Back in Time at the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is a historic property located in St. Augustine, Florida built in 1798.
Today, the house is a museum that offers visitors a glimpse into life in St. Augustine during the 19th century.
The Ximenez-Fatio House is also known for its reported paranormal activity, with visitors and staff alike reporting strange occurrences. There have been reports of doors opening and closing on their own, and the sounds of footsteps and voices in empty rooms. Some have even claimed to see ghostly apparitions of former occupants of the house.
Whether you are interested in the history, the paranormal or both; the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is a popular tourist destination, offering a fascinating look into the history of St. Augustine and the people who called it home.
History of the House
The Ximenez-Fatio House is a historic property that was built in 1798 by Andres Ximenez, a Spanish merchant. The house was constructed using coquina, a type of limestone that was abundant in the area, and tabby, a man-made cement comprised of oyster shells, lime, & ash prevalent in construction throughout the Southeastern U.S.
The Ximenez family would unfortunately not have a lengthy time in the home they so meticulously constructed, with Juana passing in 1802 of yellow fever, followed by two of their five children in the next year, and Andres passing in 1806. The house went into a trust under the care of Juana’s family the Pellicers until 1830 when it was purchased by Margaret Cook.
Mrs. Cook converted the home to a boarding house, where it would flourish for almost a century. The house changed hands several times, with A succession of women owners adding their own touches to the property. One notable owner was Miss Louisa Fatio, a wealthy unmarried woman who purchased the house in 1855. Fatio was a prominent member of St. Augustine’s social scene and was known for her lavish parties and events. During her ownership, the house became known as a center of social life in the city.
Today, the Ximenez-Fatio House is a museum that showcases the history of St. Augustine and the people who lived in the house over the years. Visitors can explore the property and see the various architectural styles and additions that have been made to the house, as well as learn about the fascinating history of the area.
Back to Life
The Ximenez-Fatio House has undergone several restoration projects over the years to ensure that it remains in top condition for visitors to enjoy. The most significant restoration work took place in 1939, when the property was purchased by the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Florida. The Colonial Dames undertook a major restoration project to return the property to its original appearance.
They removed modern additions such as plumbing, and also restored the central courtyard and recreated the original garden, using plants and trees that were typical of the period.
Today, visitors to the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum can expect to see the property in a restored condition that is as close as possible to its original appearance. The museum is furnished with period pieces that reflect the style of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, and visitors can explore the various rooms and learn about the people who lived and worked in the house over the years.
The preservation work done by the Colonial Dames has ensured that the Ximenez-Fatio House remains a valuable piece of St. Augustine’s history for generations to come.
Stepping Back in Time
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum offers a range of exhibits that provide visitors with a fascinating look into the history of St. Augustine and the people who lived in the house over the years. Some of the highlights of the museum’s exhibits include:
Historic Furnishings: The museum is furnished with period pieces that reflect the style of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Visitors can explore the various rooms and see how the house would have looked during different time periods.
Archaeological Finds: The property has been the site of several archaeological digs over the years, and many artifacts have been uncovered that shed light on the people who lived in the house and the history of St. Augustine.
Social Life in St. Augustine: Louisa Fatio, a prominent socialite, owned the house in the mid-19th century, and the museum has exhibits that showcase the social life of the era, including fashion, entertainment, and leisure activities.
- Third Floor Exhibit Area featuring stories of the harsh realities of the enslaved and how their lives intertwined with all facets of life on the property.
During their visit, visitors can take a guided tour of the museum and learn about the fascinating history of St. Augustine and the people who lived in the Ximenez-Fatio House. The exhibits offer a unique look into the past and provide a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Spend A Night Among Ghosts at The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
For those looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum offers the “A Night Among Ghosts” investigation. This paranormal investigation, led by our lead Paranormal Investigator and owner of The Odd Macabre, Heather, allows guests to investigate and explore the house after dark and search for evidence of the paranormal.
During the investigation, guests will use a variety of tools and techniques ranging from Victoria Spiritualism Techniques to modern ghosts hunting equipment to communicate with any spirits that tend to be present in the house. Guests will also hear stories about the history of the house and its former occupants, many of whom are said to still linger in the afterlife.
This experience is not for the faint of heart and is only available for those 16 years of age or older. The investigation is limited to a small group of participants to ensure a personalized and intimate experience.
See it During the Day
The Ximenez-Fatio House Museum is open to the public and welcomes visitors from all over the world. Here is a bit of information to help plan your visit:
Location: The museum is located at 20 Aviles Street in St. Augustine, FL. It is within walking distance of many other historic sites and attractions in the city’s historic district.
Parking: There is limited street parking available near the museum. Visitors may also use one of several paid parking lots in the area.
Tours: Guided tours of the museum are available as well as self-guided audio tours.
We hope this information helps you plan your visit to the Ximenez-Fatio House Museum. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact the museum directly.
